5 Family Summer Vacation Ideas

2018/05/28

5 Family Summer Vacation Ideas

Whether you’re dreaming of drinking a Mai Tai on the beach in a tropical destination or just want to stay local and spend some time with the kids, summer is the perfect time for a family vacation. There are countless vacation ideas to fit your budget, time constraints, and family size, so read on to discover five of the best family summer vacation ideas.

Times Square – photo by samuel.ioannidis on Flckr CC

1. Head to the Big Apple

According to US News and World Report, New York City is the top-rated family summer vacation. NYC has plenty of things to do for both the young and the young at heart, and with some of the country’s best food, entertainment, and accommodations, it’s no wonder why thousands of families flock to the city in the summer. Plus, New York offers the usual tourist destinations, like the Empire State Building or Times Square, and also countless hidden gems in the various boroughs. Here are a few things you can do with the whole family in New York City:

Take a city tour through various neighborhoods. Guides make learning about the city fun and interesting for children and adults, alike
See a Broadway show
Go to the top of the Empire State Building
Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

2. Sun Tan in Mexico

If sun is more your style, visiting Mexico this summer is easy and affordable for the whole family. Flying from Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, or Mexico City is as easy as hopping on a few hour flight to a whole new world. Even though Mexico is our southern neighbor and relatively close, the country has a unique culture that can’t be found anywhere else. Bright colors, friendly faces, and delicious food all characterize this hot spot. And if you plan early, flights are only a couple hundred bucks!

3. Feel the Magic at Disneyland or Walt Disney World

We can’t have a list of vacation destinations without highlighting some of the best amusement parks in the world! After all, Disneyland is known as the “happiest place on Earth”. Head down to Southern California to visit the original park and make sure to get a Park Hopper pass so you can see both Disneyland and California Adventure. Both parks have some brand new rides, like the Radiator Springs Races ride, inspired by the movie Cars, or Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout! The park is always adding new rides and attractions, so make sure to add Disneyland to your list of trips this summer.

If you want to take your vacation up a notch, visit Walt Disney World or Universal Studios in Florida for the ultimate trip of magic. Here, you can meet all kinds of characters, from Harry Potter and his friends to all the Disney Princesses. But don’t worry, there’s plenty for the adults to do, as well.

road trip – photo by TimOve on Flckr CC

4. Take a Cross Country Road Trip

If you’re looking for a more intimate family vacation, a cross-country road trip is in order! Make sure the car is in great shape and head out on the open road with just you, the family, and some great tunes. Family road trips are great because the memories are formed during the journey as much as the destination, and every stop is a little different. Drive from coast to coast, or try to hit as many states as you can. Making your own adventure is what summer vacation is all about.

5. Experience Nature at Yellowstone National Park

There’s no better way to get the whole family passionate about nature’s beauties than to head to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana, and parts of Idaho. Yellowstone is home to multiple erupting geysers, hundreds of moose, and beautiful, snow-capped mountains. If you’re the outdoorsy type, the park offers places to hike, camp, bike, boat, fish, and even ride horses. Yellowstone is beautiful during the summer and one of our country’s most beautiful destinations. Teach your children the importance of taking care of Mother Earth by showing them some of the amazing things in nature.

Summer is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy some quality time with family. Whether you’re planning an exotic international trip or are hopping in the car with the whole gang, summer 2018 is sure to be one for the books.

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